tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12609060734703558712016-09-07T21:31:03.023-07:00A Few Moments to Sparesarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-14431179592138398062012-01-26T11:29:00.000-08:002012-01-26T11:29:33.794-08:00Finalist in Pillsbury People Celebrate More Photo Contest!So, I know I don't have many followers (yet) on this blog, but I have some EXCITING news to report.&nbsp; I am one of only 10 finalists to be a winner in the <a href="http://promotions.pillsburybaking.com/">Pillsbury People Celebrate More Photo Contes</a>t.&nbsp; Well, if that doesn't sound exciting enough, the grand prize is $10,000.&nbsp; Yes, I said $10,000!&nbsp; There is a public vote and one of the 10 finalists will win the prize.&nbsp; But perhaps even more exciting is that the winner gets a photo shoot at his or her house with the Pillsbury Dough Boy.<br /><br />I had submitted a picture of my son, Ethan, and I baking cookies last Valentine's Day.&nbsp; And yes, we were using Pillsbury frosting and sprinkles on the cupcakes!&nbsp; Maybe that gave us an edge!&nbsp; :) &nbsp; <br />&nbsp; <br />And although I won't put the same picture that is up on the site (so I don't violate any rules), here are a few others that we took that day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6fhF0uTAu4/TyGozoJgupI/AAAAAAAAASY/bB8F1IKqKzw/s1600/valentine%27s+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6fhF0uTAu4/TyGozoJgupI/AAAAAAAAASY/bB8F1IKqKzw/s320/valentine%27s+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJAYX5VfTSk/TyGpGnqcE4I/AAAAAAAAASg/W-VjmB7_HPk/s1600/Valentine%27s+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJAYX5VfTSk/TyGpGnqcE4I/AAAAAAAAASg/W-VjmB7_HPk/s320/Valentine%27s+2.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />If you'd like to vote for me, the link is http://promotions.pillsburybaking.com/.&nbsp; I am Sarah Z. from Port Matilda, PA with the red PJs and crazy "just-woke-up hair."&nbsp; There are lots of cute pictures on the site, although I'm certainly biased for the one of Ethan and me.&nbsp;sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-62768205607614912442012-01-15T13:24:00.000-08:002012-01-15T13:24:25.653-08:00Back to crafting and bakingI took a hiatus from sewing bags and basically crafts in general.&nbsp; But recently, I have become addicted to Pinterest and am getting the bug to be creative again.&nbsp; So, with inspiration from photos I saw on Pinterest, I did some crafting and even some baking today.&nbsp; First, I made some fabulous blondies with pink and red M&amp;Ms.&nbsp; Ethan loved making them. <br /><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18225573461760667/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/18225573461760667_SMI2aouu_c.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">&nbsp;Source: <a href="http://www.bakedperfection.com/2009/02/brown-sugar-blondies-for-valentines-day.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">bakedperfection.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahbethe1/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sarah</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><br /></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"></div></div><br /><br />Then, we baked a cranberry pie.&nbsp; It was delicious, although I would probably cut the sugar by about half.&nbsp; I really enjoy the tartness of the cranberries and don't think it needs that much sugar.&nbsp; But it is still absolutely fabulous.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/18225573461749522/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/18225573461749522_F6WuvqDG_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://cooking-books.blogspot.com/2009/02/nantucket-cranberry-pie.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cooking-books.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/sarahbethe1/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sarah</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"> </div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;">And finally, I've been thinking for a while that I wanted to create some felt hearts for Valentine's Day.&nbsp; I'd like to make a garland for the fireplace, but I think it might take a while to complete it.&nbsp; But I'm going to see how far I get.&nbsp; And so far, I've made one heart!&nbsp; I had some inspiration from a photo on Pinterest, but I created my own design.&nbsp; It took me about 2 hours to make one heart, so I am not sure if I'll be able to finish the garland.&nbsp; Maybe the other ones will be simpler.</div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-mWY7lax8A/TxND5Ftd9tI/AAAAAAAAAR8/gxwbAKUJn-4/s1600/DSC_1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H-mWY7lax8A/TxND5Ftd9tI/AAAAAAAAAR8/gxwbAKUJn-4/s320/DSC_1429.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--euHF5yqUrc/TxND7cWAxJI/AAAAAAAAASE/FN2E-wpHXYY/s1600/DSC_1432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--euHF5yqUrc/TxND7cWAxJI/AAAAAAAAASE/FN2E-wpHXYY/s320/DSC_1432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div style="color: black;">With wintertime here, hopefully I'll get more crafting done! &nbsp; </div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;"><br /></div></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-12589816799886724042011-08-29T17:26:00.000-07:002011-08-29T17:26:40.257-07:00August's "Moon" BagThis month in the Amy Butler challenge, we were supposed to make a&nbsp;Fringed Hobo bag.&nbsp; I opted out of the fringe and used some piping instead.&nbsp; I made the large version of the bag.&nbsp; I'm not entirely happy with the bag.&nbsp; As is typical with many of Amy Butler's patterns, the bag is huge.&nbsp; I don't mind the biggness of the bag.&nbsp; However, the straps for the large bag end up being really short.&nbsp; And I feel like the opening is a bit too small for the size of the bag.&nbsp; I mean, this is a big bag.&nbsp; You should be able to fit some big things in there.&nbsp; But, nope.&nbsp; The opening is too darn small.&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yOetT6svyw8/Tlwtv_ycwwI/AAAAAAAAAPs/zsUIdnIXZjo/s1600/DSC_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yOetT6svyw8/Tlwtv_ycwwI/AAAAAAAAAPs/zsUIdnIXZjo/s320/DSC_0818.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_C6yPgqGNAo/TlwuMvITz8I/AAAAAAAAAPw/1rSzYOgWtxQ/s1600/DSC_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_C6yPgqGNAo/TlwuMvITz8I/AAAAAAAAAPw/1rSzYOgWtxQ/s320/DSC_0821.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because of the overall roundness of the bag, I call it my "Moon Bag."&nbsp; I'm sure I'll find a use for it, even given its flaws of the small opening.&nbsp; I like the fabric selection and I think the piping is cute.&nbsp; I think next month's bag might be a little more useful to me, though.﻿</div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-90610382057398965162011-07-28T09:48:00.000-07:002011-07-28T09:48:15.355-07:00Key Keeper Coin PurseOkay, I've had this key keeper coin purse thing done since June, but I've put off posting about it.&nbsp; Mostly because I was not really happy with the way it came out.&nbsp; I'm fairly new to zippers and had a tough time making this look neat.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce38aND2rok/TjGSPqw35OI/AAAAAAAAAPg/DKd8BRM8bA4/s1600/DSC_0662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce38aND2rok/TjGSPqw35OI/AAAAAAAAAPg/DKd8BRM8bA4/s320/DSC_0662.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look, it's all crooked.&nbsp; Sigh...&nbsp; Not my best work.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4uUCWGA-ls/TjGSR8HthoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/BisNy-0zimc/s1600/DSC_0663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4uUCWGA-ls/TjGSR8HthoI/AAAAAAAAAPk/BisNy-0zimc/s320/DSC_0663.JPG" t$="true" width="214" /></a></div><br />I did like my choice of fabrics, but am just not proud of how it came out.&nbsp; And I thought this month would actually be easy, given the size of the little thing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqyiwTHTulI/TjGSVKubogI/AAAAAAAAAPo/E8XcoLcWH2A/s1600/DSC_0664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OqyiwTHTulI/TjGSVKubogI/AAAAAAAAAPo/E8XcoLcWH2A/s320/DSC_0664.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />But it does look cute with my teardrop bag from last month, which I get lots of compliments on, by the way!&nbsp; Maybe I'll do better with the big giant fringed hobo bag for next month.&nbsp; Sigh...<br />﻿<br /><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">﻿</div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-74806465711639421222011-06-08T12:25:00.000-07:002011-06-08T12:25:29.730-07:00No tears over the Teardrop BagWhen I first saw June's pattern for the Teardrop Bag in Amy Butler's Style Stitches book, I wasn't that thrilled.&nbsp; I'm not sure why, but I just didn't really like the bag all that much.&nbsp; However, now that I've made it, I quite like it.&nbsp; I love the fabric I picked out.&nbsp; And I thought it was fairly simple to make.&nbsp; I hit a few snags with the pattern, but overall, it wasn't too bad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p40TaKqnDc/Te_L-P56QBI/AAAAAAAAAPI/V7LBNzs43NU/s1600/DSC_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3p40TaKqnDc/Te_L-P56QBI/AAAAAAAAAPI/V7LBNzs43NU/s320/DSC_0644.JPG" t8="true" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jm4fahofJk/Te_MEpPbYzI/AAAAAAAAAPM/GLCuewyzXxs/s1600/DSC_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jm4fahofJk/Te_MEpPbYzI/AAAAAAAAAPM/GLCuewyzXxs/s320/DSC_0649.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkN6u9rr9P0/Te_MJe5hPcI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/PbCt_VxlTsA/s1600/DSC_0650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AkN6u9rr9P0/Te_MJe5hPcI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/PbCt_VxlTsA/s320/DSC_0650.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVmn1VqRqtc/Te_MMGEu7uI/AAAAAAAAAPU/J1XUUf6DJGM/s1600/DSC_0646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVmn1VqRqtc/Te_MMGEu7uI/AAAAAAAAAPU/J1XUUf6DJGM/s320/DSC_0646.JPG" t8="true" width="214" /></a></div>&nbsp;The fabric was Moda's Fandango, designed by Kate Spain.&nbsp; I will say, the most difficult part of this bag was probably turning the handles inside out.&nbsp; I think it took me longer to get those handles the right way than it did to sew the whole thing.&nbsp; The handle is quite long, so it was an effort.&nbsp; And Amy's suggestion to put a safety pin at one end of the handle did absolutely nothing for me.&nbsp; <br /><br />Can't wait to make the coordinating coin purse to match my cute new bag!sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-67141511820686786872011-05-23T17:08:00.000-07:002011-05-23T17:08:34.192-07:00My Not-So-Perfectly Pleated ClutchI had been dreading making the May bag from Amy Butler's Style Stitches since I started this challenge.&nbsp; I had been quite scared of making the pleats.&nbsp; Well, it's done.&nbsp; Not quite as perfect, but good enough, in my opinion!&nbsp; The pleats are not straight in certain spots, but I'm not terribly disappointed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wsZa4zDlMs/Tdr2Agoc47I/AAAAAAAAAOk/04nbpwa8dJw/s1600/DSC_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wsZa4zDlMs/Tdr2Agoc47I/AAAAAAAAAOk/04nbpwa8dJw/s320/DSC_0396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaaIqJfxz9o/Tdr2DUDRxTI/AAAAAAAAAOo/KtV3Li_AVLQ/s1600/DSC_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaaIqJfxz9o/Tdr2DUDRxTI/AAAAAAAAAOo/KtV3Li_AVLQ/s320/DSC_0397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNsXt2OK-aY/Tdr2GZky4hI/AAAAAAAAAOs/tBuPQfUkEGU/s1600/DSC_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNsXt2OK-aY/Tdr2GZky4hI/AAAAAAAAAOs/tBuPQfUkEGU/s320/DSC_0398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The fabric was a cotton voile that I bought at Fat Quarter Shop.&nbsp; The flower was from Ann Taylor Loft.&nbsp; It's probably a little bit for the bag, but I still like it.&nbsp; My only regret is making the small bag instead of the medium size.&nbsp; I think the flower is a slight bit big for the small size.<br /><br />I've been doing lots of other crafts lately, but haven't been taking many pictures...&nbsp; I'll catch up one of these days!&nbsp;sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-10932004608017679532011-04-05T17:04:00.000-07:002011-04-05T17:10:37.104-07:00No procrastinating around here!I'm quite proud of myself that I have already finished my April bag in the Amy Butler Style Stitches Challenges.&nbsp; Ahem...what is the date?&nbsp; Why, it's only April 5!&nbsp; And I actually finished it on April 3, but just needed to take pictures and upload them.&nbsp; Very proud, I must say.<br /><br />So, this month was a checkbook cover.&nbsp; I had the same reactions of other people in that I wondered, "what on earth am I going to do with a checkbook cover?"&nbsp; I write about 1-2 checks per month and haven't had a checkbook cover in years.&nbsp; I admit, I don't balance my checkbook as I rely heavily on online banking.&nbsp; So, what will I do with it?&nbsp; I think I will pass it along to my mom, who hasn't quite yet adapted to the ATM era.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKlxj4WowoQ/TZusV7AKUJI/AAAAAAAAAOE/hsI8EH302cM/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKlxj4WowoQ/TZusV7AKUJI/AAAAAAAAAOE/hsI8EH302cM/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;The finished checkbook cover</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L07LftDJpUI/TZusbyadw_I/AAAAAAAAAOI/ZK9h0BrNskY/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L07LftDJpUI/TZusbyadw_I/AAAAAAAAAOI/ZK9h0BrNskY/s320/DSC_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A slightly&nbsp;pathetic picture where I am trying to show all three fabrics at once.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHi7aDnAwSw/TZuvYXbTDeI/AAAAAAAAAOU/JTZxWCazeXQ/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHi7aDnAwSw/TZuvYXbTDeI/AAAAAAAAAOU/JTZxWCazeXQ/s320/DSC_0072.JPG" width="211" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The inside of the check cover.&nbsp; It includes a pen holder!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_EGcimYma0/TZus-TVL0OI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/6G9j5T-iPE8/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_EGcimYma0/TZus-TVL0OI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/6G9j5T-iPE8/s320/DSC_0077.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the outside, just so that you can get a better glimpse of the fabric choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I already&nbsp;had the fabric in my stash.&nbsp; I purchased it at a cute quilting shop in Connecticut called <a href="http://www.yankeequilter.com/">TheYankee Quilter</a>.&nbsp; I don't remember what the fabric brands were.&nbsp; I used regular quilting fabric, not home decor fabric as the pattern suggested.&nbsp; I think that home decor might have worked a little better, as I feel that I can see the outline of the snap through the olive green quilting fabric.&nbsp; But overall, I still think it came out cute.<br /><br />The pattern was the first in the book labeled as being "intermediate."&nbsp; I thought it was fairly easy.&nbsp; The hardest part was sewing around the curve of the flap, but I just took things slow and the stitches came out pretty good.&nbsp; I think it also feels pretty easy because I'm getting used to Amy's directions.&nbsp; Although this is the first time I used magnetic snaps, I still think they're easier than zippers!<br /><br />I'm really excited about next month's bag and already have all the fabric selected.&nbsp; It's going to be really gorgeous, provided I can get the pleats to work!sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-3400421702992578102011-03-21T17:23:00.000-07:002011-03-21T17:23:49.242-07:00Signs of spring!Spring is in the air!&nbsp; I am not a cold-weather fan.&nbsp; So, the fact that it is officially spring and that warm weather is on it's way makes me very, very happy.&nbsp; There are definite signs of spring around our yard, including this gorgeous bunch of crocuses that seemed to pop up out of nowhere.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-veVDO77O_qQ/TYfo_q85NsI/AAAAAAAAANE/u5rVsF-oeY4/s1600/DSC_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-veVDO77O_qQ/TYfo_q85NsI/AAAAAAAAANE/u5rVsF-oeY4/s320/DSC_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HQl7aQ8yY5E/TYfpJQTirNI/AAAAAAAAANI/Yx--xjtXhiQ/s1600/DSC_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HQl7aQ8yY5E/TYfpJQTirNI/AAAAAAAAANI/Yx--xjtXhiQ/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although the warm weather is starting to come outside, I've still been busy inside doing various crafting projects.&nbsp; I did have one big accomplishment today.&nbsp; I picked up a&nbsp;framed&nbsp;cross-stitch project that I started over a year ago! ﻿I didn't quite have this finished by Easter last year, but I did finish it...and put off framing it until this year.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hpIoyExf-g/TYfqj9xaSII/AAAAAAAAANc/0OfftsvNXTA/s1600/DSC_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hpIoyExf-g/TYfqj9xaSII/AAAAAAAAANc/0OfftsvNXTA/s320/DSC_0072.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lAHJaU_iC2k/TYfqpcQ5fMI/AAAAAAAAANg/y78A3FamqU0/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lAHJaU_iC2k/TYfqpcQ5fMI/AAAAAAAAANg/y78A3FamqU0/s320/DSC_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uEd9v4FHero/TYfqsVwGp6I/AAAAAAAAANk/tAg0y-5v3hI/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uEd9v4FHero/TYfqsVwGp6I/AAAAAAAAANk/tAg0y-5v3hI/s320/DSC_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I bought the pattern at this wonderful little store in Mifflinburg, Pa, called <a href="http://www.villagestitcheryshop.com/">The Village Stitchery</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;I&nbsp;bought it because I liked the little "jelly bean" beads that were sewn onto each corner.&nbsp; I also liked the&nbsp;yellow bunny's tail, although that had to be sewn on several times after my son got a hold of it!&nbsp; I got the framing done at Michael's.&nbsp; The frame is supposedly&nbsp;intended to be a chalkboard, but I don't think I'll use it for that purpose.&nbsp; I just wanted something bright and cheerful.<br /><br />I'll admit it...I still have another Easter cross-stitch pattern that was supposed to be done last year.&nbsp; I have a feeling it won't be done for this year's Easter either.&nbsp; But you never know!!!&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alright...one more picture to celebrate that spring is here.&nbsp; Yippee!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0--Fo_8PRIc/TYfsCm9_x5I/AAAAAAAAANo/PdGMIkyUfTc/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0--Fo_8PRIc/TYfsCm9_x5I/AAAAAAAAANo/PdGMIkyUfTc/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-36772473486208508292011-03-19T14:50:00.000-07:002011-03-19T14:57:31.625-07:00Special projectsMy mom and I started a new tradition this past year.&nbsp; We've decided that every time she comes to visit me from Connecticut, we'd try to do a special craft project together.&nbsp; Last time, we made fabric wreaths (which I should post pictures of!).&nbsp; This time, we started a little embroidery project of a girl on a swing under a cherry tree.&nbsp; I've done a lot of cross-stitch in my life, but haven't done that much embroidery.&nbsp; I liked this project because it was simple and only took a week to complete.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bk4LIH1Rxco/TYUmKrO_KsI/AAAAAAAAAM8/J56ZcY_0jhc/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bk4LIH1Rxco/TYUmKrO_KsI/AAAAAAAAAM8/J56ZcY_0jhc/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sFShY-2Zpfw/TYUmlF6brCI/AAAAAAAAANA/YncuuVr9uDY/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sFShY-2Zpfw/TYUmlF6brCI/AAAAAAAAANA/YncuuVr9uDY/s320/DSC_0050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7QrXMcGMTc8/TYUkMDoDk-I/AAAAAAAAAM4/BdKdPl5-F7w/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7QrXMcGMTc8/TYUkMDoDk-I/AAAAAAAAAM4/BdKdPl5-F7w/s320/DSC_0055.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The pattern was purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/comfortstitching">"comfortstitching" at etsy</a>.&nbsp; I made a few changes to the pattern.&nbsp; I didn't do a mirror image, as suggested.&nbsp; I also changed some of the colors slightly.&nbsp; Cherry's hair is a little bigger than the pattern, which did not allow me to add many facial features.&nbsp; I like to think that she's being a little thoughtful and is looking down, which is why we can't see her eyes.&nbsp; In reality, I think I just got a little carried away with her hair.&nbsp; <br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/comfortstitching">Comfortstitching</a> is owned by Aneela Hoey, the very talented designer of the upcoming, coordinating fabric by Moda called, "<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=30692261953403069&amp;Store_id=499&amp;page_id=23&amp;Item_ID=50059&amp;Parent_Ids=">Sherbert Pips</a>."&nbsp; I actually originally found the embroidery at Anella's <a href="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/">blog</a>.&nbsp; I love the Sherbert Pips fabric a lot and am considering buying some for a future project.&nbsp; <br /><br />Today, I spent my son Ethan's naptime cutting fabric for Blocks 9 and 10 of my block of the month club.&nbsp; I need to get caught up!sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-92010640248942445722011-03-12T18:36:00.000-08:002011-03-12T18:36:08.211-08:00March Origami Bags...Completed!Yet another month has now been completed in <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/">JemJam's</a> challenge to create all the bags in Amy Butler's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Butlers-Style-Stitches-Wonderful/dp/0811866696/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1299983243&amp;sr=8-1"><em>Style Stitches</em></a><em>.&nbsp; </em>My six Origami bags are now done.&nbsp; As I mentioned in my previous posting, I did not especially enjoy making the gussets, but I think I got a lot better as I worked through them.&nbsp; I also had never put in a zipper before.&nbsp; I'll admit that I was quite confused on the first one, but then it all just clicked, and I realized it was quite easy.&nbsp; <br /><br />So, the question now is what will I do with all of these bags?&nbsp; Every month, as I start the challenge, my husband asks me, "who is that bag for?" or "what will you do with that bag?"&nbsp; I often don't have an answer for him, which seemed especially true this year.&nbsp; Although I originally thought I wanted a whole set of these bags in the same print, I think I may give a few away.&nbsp; My mom said she needed a new make-up bag, so she'll probably get one of the smaller ones.&nbsp; I have a friend who is having a baby soon, so she may get the large one (which I think came out the best) filled with baby toys and diapers.&nbsp; I think I want to keep the extra-large one.&nbsp; I'm not sure what I'll do with it...I just like it!&nbsp;<br /><br />What to do with the rest?&nbsp; We'll see...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9riY4j81Es/TXwsb-3_zoI/AAAAAAAAAMs/MO-piQxOsSA/s1600/478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z9riY4j81Es/TXwsb-3_zoI/AAAAAAAAAMs/MO-piQxOsSA/s320/478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fKEI3YXszNI/TXwsV5ChB5I/AAAAAAAAAMo/ge7rd9znSxw/s1600/475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fKEI3YXszNI/TXwsV5ChB5I/AAAAAAAAAMo/ge7rd9znSxw/s320/475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CqXfySfdraM/TXwsP6EZchI/AAAAAAAAAMk/cYvJFMwWCOc/s1600/471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CqXfySfdraM/TXwsP6EZchI/AAAAAAAAAMk/cYvJFMwWCOc/s320/471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I already can't wait to work on the challenge for April!&nbsp; It's been a lot of fun.sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-55015741517923824952011-03-10T02:45:00.000-08:002011-03-10T03:02:43.297-08:00156 blocks later!Well, our group did it!&nbsp; We sewed 156 blocks to create thirteen 12-block quilts over the past year.&nbsp; During our reveal party yesterday, we got to see all the&nbsp;blocks which are all going to make gorgeous quilts!&nbsp; I was amazed by the talent and dedication in that room.&nbsp; I took lots of pictures and am highlighting a few below.&nbsp; Excuse the wrinkles!&nbsp; Some of these squares have been in their paper bags for an entire year!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DFMUGPiLB0Y/TXioHmQWKCI/AAAAAAAAALY/OPiIKcf5Nn4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DFMUGPiLB0Y/TXioHmQWKCI/AAAAAAAAALY/OPiIKcf5Nn4/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheryl's beautiful squares in yellow, red, gold, and white.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M46DZS2R1pU/TXiow3XqHrI/AAAAAAAAAME/hfa73UNPOOE/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-M46DZS2R1pU/TXiow3XqHrI/AAAAAAAAAME/hfa73UNPOOE/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leann's lovely blocks in sage, rust, and beige</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aSpw6zXyhRw/TXioLJ4Kf6I/AAAAAAAAALc/-bGKF3lTySw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aSpw6zXyhRw/TXioLJ4Kf6I/AAAAAAAAALc/-bGKF3lTySw/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lindsey's cheerful quilt in purple, turquoise, and orange</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZIcxAZSyGNg/TXioNjunp9I/AAAAAAAAALg/ZRlw3mkX-vM/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZIcxAZSyGNg/TXioNjunp9I/AAAAAAAAALg/ZRlw3mkX-vM/s320/010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeannine's contemporary quilt in white, red, blue, and brown.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out the mannequin dress square!&nbsp; Adorable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNBrOewqCVc/TXioQ8tPfWI/AAAAAAAAALk/4WNk7i7TFww/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNBrOewqCVc/TXioQ8tPfWI/AAAAAAAAALk/4WNk7i7TFww/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeanne's delightful quilt in shades of brown, beige, rose, and sage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-64G241QmNW0/TXioVtp2uOI/AAAAAAAAALo/GwF0XTvPcvs/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-64G241QmNW0/TXioVtp2uOI/AAAAAAAAALo/GwF0XTvPcvs/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Diane's cheery squares in beige, brown, orange, and blue.&nbsp; <br />Love the basket of flowers (upside-down in my picture)!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C-w9clyUEvo/TXioYSpOuBI/AAAAAAAAALs/4aVqZASfN3I/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-C-w9clyUEvo/TXioYSpOuBI/AAAAAAAAALs/4aVqZASfN3I/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jackie's pastel fabrics in 1930s reproduction fabrics.&nbsp; So lovely...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cQXkvg4poHI/TXiobsW-K8I/AAAAAAAAALw/YLgLauo3rkY/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-cQXkvg4poHI/TXiobsW-K8I/AAAAAAAAALw/YLgLauo3rkY/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Allison's gorgeous squares in primitive plaids and checks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xvaBJ5YomQo/TXiop-0CNHI/AAAAAAAAAMA/sljZ-IGzHzU/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xvaBJ5YomQo/TXiop-0CNHI/AAAAAAAAAMA/sljZ-IGzHzU/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jane's festive holiday quilt in red and green!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IMJ2h9g-OKY/TXiol9_gapI/AAAAAAAAAL8/tZVfRRylaLU/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IMJ2h9g-OKY/TXiol9_gapI/AAAAAAAAAL8/tZVfRRylaLU/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maria's soothing colors of turquoise and green.&nbsp; I love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CRoAW6uHdh0/TXioiX5v19I/AAAAAAAAAL4/T2rTXkPztKA/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CRoAW6uHdh0/TXioiX5v19I/AAAAAAAAAL4/T2rTXkPztKA/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pam's splendid quilt of purple and green, including some batiques!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rNGye5M9Xkg/TXioe7ttH7I/AAAAAAAAAL0/TtKgH4J-UMo/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rNGye5M9Xkg/TXioe7ttH7I/AAAAAAAAAL0/TtKgH4J-UMo/s320/024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bobbie's stunning quilt of pastel blue, green, yellow, and green.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think I see another dress in there!&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t4xcdaAAKic/TXio0ustwbI/AAAAAAAAAMI/aesfhndqKBI/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t4xcdaAAKic/TXio0ustwbI/AAAAAAAAAMI/aesfhndqKBI/s320/042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's mine in lovely yellows and blues.&nbsp; Look at the adorable embroidered heart, sewn by Maria, who added a special touch to everyone's quilt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This quilting experience was an absolute joy for me.&nbsp; I had such a wonderful time during our party yesterday and am so impressed by the quilts.&nbsp; I hope the group will attempt to do this again?&nbsp; Maybe with a little break for a while?&nbsp; I'll keep you posted!﻿</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-79805644319802687792011-03-08T15:56:00.000-08:002011-03-08T15:56:00.529-08:00Big day tomorrow!As I mentioned in my very first post, I am part of an informal quilting group with some women I work with at Penn State.&nbsp; Since last February, we've been working on a monthly block swap.&nbsp; At the start of the swap, we put together a bag filled with several different fabrics.&nbsp; Every month, each person receives a different person's bag and makes a 12" block using the fabric and whatever design she chooses.&nbsp; Well, tomorrow is the big day in which we get our bags back.&nbsp; I cannot wait!&nbsp; <br /><br />When this quilting group started, I must admit that I didn't want to do it.&nbsp; I felt intimidated by the expert quilters and also felt rusty, as I had not quilted in years.&nbsp; Well, in the past year since starting this swap, I have created my first quilt top, created numerous handbags (and zipper pouches!), and am working on Block 9 of my Kate Spain&nbsp;12 Days of&nbsp;Christmas Block-of-the Month program.&nbsp; And, of course, I bought my wonderful Bernina Aurora&nbsp;to replace my 10-year old inexpensive Singer, an investment that has really paid off.<br /><br />I can't wait to see the beautiful quilts revealed tomorrow.&nbsp; I will take a lot of pictures and share these on the blog.&nbsp; In the meantime, I'm posting two of the blocks that I created for my fellow quilters' blocks.&nbsp; I'm kicking myself that I didn't take a picture of all twelve that I made.&nbsp; But at least I took pictures of the last couple!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NBaDHthgJVo/TXa_T9PfRqI/AAAAAAAAALQ/zSWPnTEYmhQ/s1600/366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NBaDHthgJVo/TXa_T9PfRqI/AAAAAAAAALQ/zSWPnTEYmhQ/s320/366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a picture of my first attempt at pinwheels.&nbsp; I am considering an all-pinwheel quilt for my next project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yksbxRhVMAQ/TXa_sEkm3DI/AAAAAAAAALU/DAQpZelJHNA/s1600/470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yksbxRhVMAQ/TXa_sEkm3DI/AAAAAAAAALU/DAQpZelJHNA/s320/470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The square above was inspired by Jen's recent post (at <a href="http://misspunkiepie.blogspot.com/2011/02/back-to-layer-cake-blocks.html">Miss Punkie Pie</a> ) on the layer cake blocks.&nbsp; I really liked her selection of fabrics and found the pattern at <a href="http://moosequilts.blogspot.com/2010/09/layer-cake-quilt-along-2010.html">Moose on the Porch Quilts' "Layer Cake Quilt Along</a>."&nbsp; I did make a slight change to the order of the fabric in the squares with the rectangles.&nbsp; I'd like to say it was intentional, but really, I just made a mistake and thought it looked pretty even if it doesn't exactly follow the pattern.&nbsp; I'm curious to see if the recipient will like it!&nbsp; <br /><br />Tomorrow is going to be a lot of fun...sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-72269185596298595522011-03-07T10:30:00.000-08:002011-03-07T11:28:25.289-08:00Gussets and Zippers...Ugh...I've been working diligently on my 6 (yes, 6!!!) Origami Bags from Amy Butler's <em>Style Stitches </em>book.&nbsp; I guess I would say they're coming along.&nbsp; Here's the fabric that I've been using:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h3UWms9F40U/TXUiujS_zeI/AAAAAAAAALI/1uZvPVasWNw/s1600/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h3UWms9F40U/TXUiujS_zeI/AAAAAAAAALI/1uZvPVasWNw/s320/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And&nbsp;another one&nbsp;just because the fabric is so pretty:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NVkd56zB910/TXUizxKYLMI/AAAAAAAAALM/A2pPWOJYW-o/s1600/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" q6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NVkd56zB910/TXUizxKYLMI/AAAAAAAAALM/A2pPWOJYW-o/s320/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really like dandelions, so this fabric really called to me.&nbsp; It was purchased quite inexpensively from <a href="http://fabric.com/">Fabric.com</a>.&nbsp; ﻿I bought the lining fabric a little later, so it didn't make it into my picture.&nbsp; It's pink with white polka dots.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyhow, on this soul-searching&nbsp;Amy Butler purse journey, I've found that I've learned quite a bit about myself and my sewing likes and dislikes.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really enjoy the following:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Making handles</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Top-stitching</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The big "reveal" </div></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do not like the following:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having to try to open a zipper when a bag is inside out as I missed the step where it says, "Leave the zipper half-way open in order to turn the bag right-side out.&nbsp; </div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sewing gussets.&nbsp; Before this experience.&nbsp; I didn't even know what a gusset was.</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sewing gussets&nbsp;on 6 bags because I am crazy enough to sew 6 bags at once.&nbsp; (That includes 12 gussets on the exterior fabric and 12 on the lining for a grand total of 24 gussets!!!!&nbsp; Ugh!)</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having the use the seam ripper on 6 different bags because I sewed the tab onto both the exterior fabric and the lining, instead of just to the exterior (once again, as indicated in the instructions).</div></li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sewing gussets.&nbsp; Really.&nbsp; They're not a favorite of mine.&nbsp; </div></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, my 6 bags are almost complete.&nbsp; I have 5 done, with the 6th in progress.&nbsp; They're coming out rather nice, in spite of my difficulties listed above.&nbsp; I will say, zipper pouches are not the most exciting thing I've created.&nbsp; I think I like sewing bags a bit more.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Will post pictures soon!</div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-86842021231188343682011-02-12T13:48:00.000-08:002011-02-12T13:48:15.291-08:00Reversible Shopper - FINISHED!I made it my goal to finish the Reversible Shopper from Amy Butler's <em>Style Stitches </em>this weekend.&nbsp; I had already cut the fabric last weekend and ironed the fusible interfacing on last night.&nbsp; So, all that was left was the sewing - my favorite part!&nbsp; <br /><br />After making the Cosmo bag, I was worried about the difficulty of the remaining bags.&nbsp; Well, the Reversible Shopper was MUCH easier than the Cosmo bag.&nbsp; Fewer curves, fewer pieces, and an easier method of turning the bag inside out.&nbsp; It came together really quickly.&nbsp; I think it's cute, although I must say, it is HUGE.&nbsp; Much bigger than I thought it would be.&nbsp; <br /><br />Here are a few pictures!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dx5E7sLETys/TVb_KlRg17I/AAAAAAAAAKo/5H_tVOwH08E/s1600/Wegmans+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dx5E7sLETys/TVb_KlRg17I/AAAAAAAAAKo/5H_tVOwH08E/s320/Wegmans+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some topstitches on the pocket.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJwbD5rtZAc/TVb_NGvYjoI/AAAAAAAAAKs/mY-D-g28wdA/s1600/Wegmans+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RJwbD5rtZAc/TVb_NGvYjoI/AAAAAAAAAKs/mY-D-g28wdA/s320/Wegmans+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find creating handles to be very satisfying!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4jKZxOPjP0/TVb_OO8PZaI/AAAAAAAAAKw/n_OB_EEHhcI/s1600/Wegmans+038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k4jKZxOPjP0/TVb_OO8PZaI/AAAAAAAAAKw/n_OB_EEHhcI/s320/Wegmans+038.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The big reveal!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VpMGIyPm94/TVb_PoK5pwI/AAAAAAAAAK0/5C22cOq7f0E/s1600/Wegmans+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_VpMGIyPm94/TVb_PoK5pwI/AAAAAAAAAK0/5C22cOq7f0E/s320/Wegmans+041.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's one side of the reversible shopper.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VP55gptKYHQ/TVb_Qu16IhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/zO9moSGz0ys/s1600/Wegmans+047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VP55gptKYHQ/TVb_Qu16IhI/AAAAAAAAAK4/zO9moSGz0ys/s320/Wegmans+047.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And here's the other side.&nbsp; So cute...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZh6FUetgoY/TVb_SZkAzlI/AAAAAAAAAK8/A8nAOsjualI/s1600/Wegmans+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZh6FUetgoY/TVb_SZkAzlI/AAAAAAAAAK8/A8nAOsjualI/s320/Wegmans+049.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And so, you can get a perspective on size, here's me with the new bag!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The only thing I changed was to opt not to create the narrow portion of the handle.&nbsp; I tried, but my sewing machine (which is a very good machine!) just did not want to go through that many layers.&nbsp; Actually, it was the thickness of the fabric, which would barely fit under the foot.&nbsp; Unless I did something wrong with creating the handles, I'm not sure what type of sewing machine would have been able to sew through that thickness.&nbsp; </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, next month is the Origami Bags.&nbsp; I already have some fabric lined up and am excited about it.&nbsp; I'm not sure what size(s) I will make yet, but will figure it out.&nbsp; One caveat...I've never done a zipper before...and I'm scared!﻿</div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-17285122667463495802011-02-05T14:20:00.000-08:002011-02-05T14:20:51.322-08:00Fabric for Everyday ShopperSo, after my "oops" at buying fabric for the Everyday Shopper, I finally found some heavier weight home decor fabric to use.&nbsp; The one with the multi-colored flowers is Amy Butler's Paradise Garden in Mint, from her Love collection.&nbsp; I bought this from someone on Etsy.&nbsp; The other fabric is also by Amy Butler and is called Twill Bali Gate in Turquoise.&nbsp; I am now just debating which one will be the "exterior" fabric.&nbsp; It doesn't seem to matter too much, since the bag is reversible.&nbsp; I also am debating about making a few changes to the pattern.&nbsp; We'll see...&nbsp; Now I just need to find some time to start working on the bag!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TU3NKI8AbQI/AAAAAAAAAKg/QiDE5faSTgM/s1600/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TU3NKI8AbQI/AAAAAAAAAKg/QiDE5faSTgM/s320/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TU3NLIw35FI/AAAAAAAAAKk/RoLr_80IMm4/s1600/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TU3NLIw35FI/AAAAAAAAAKk/RoLr_80IMm4/s320/Valentine%2527s+Cookies+006.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-17891991568591257272011-01-31T11:25:00.000-08:002011-01-31T11:26:30.299-08:00Oops!So, in my search for my home decor fabric for the next bag in the Amy Butler "Style Stitches" challenge, I have realized that my lack of knowledge about fabric types has caused me to make a great error.&nbsp; I thought I was purchasing fabric of "home decor weight," as is often described on many sites.&nbsp; Instead, I bought several yards of lightweight voile.&nbsp; It's gorgeous fabric, but definitely not going to work in the totebag.&nbsp; <br /><br />So, my search is on again.&nbsp; I need to figure out what to do with this fabric now!&nbsp; I'll need to read more carefully next time.&nbsp; This is the difficulty with buying fabric online.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUcMvOTlbaI/AAAAAAAAAKY/02PuAjJBm7Q/s1600/January+2011+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUcMvOTlbaI/AAAAAAAAAKY/02PuAjJBm7Q/s320/January+2011+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-87117625676604406242011-01-30T17:44:00.000-08:002011-01-30T17:44:58.465-08:00Cold outside, sewing insideSo, January has never been my favorite month of the year.&nbsp; The holidays are over and it seems like there's nothing to look forward to except snow, snow, and more snow.&nbsp; Fortunately, here in central PA, we haven't had the kind of snow they're getting in the northeast.&nbsp; In fact, according to our local weather station, out of the past 116 years in which weather records have been kept, this winter is only the 82nd snowiest.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTZ1ECGyI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ys6MCpPoMcQ/s1600/January+2011+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTZ1ECGyI/AAAAAAAAAJw/ys6MCpPoMcQ/s320/January+2011+039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />But it's still been cold.&nbsp; And the cold weather is perfect for staying inside and doing crafts.&nbsp; One of the things that I've been working on is the <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=54181302043565418&amp;Store_id=499&amp;page_id=23&amp;Item_ID=39548&amp;Parent_Ids=">Mystery Block of the Month Club</a> using Kate Spain's 12 Days of Christmas fabric, which is available at <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a>.&nbsp; I started a couple months late, but have kept up with the months so far.&nbsp; I always get excited to get the newest block of the month, to see what clever design it will be!&nbsp; Up to now, I have 8 months done.&nbsp; Here are the pictures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTd59ce9I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/C_D1z7EQEYw/s1600/January+2011+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTd59ce9I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/C_D1z7EQEYw/s320/January+2011+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTgfbiEEI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/nD6mhQoogmQ/s1600/January+2011+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTgfbiEEI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/nD6mhQoogmQ/s320/January+2011+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTg16afOI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/72j1ryeiZ98/s1600/January+2011+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTg16afOI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/72j1ryeiZ98/s320/January+2011+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTjOm_kpI/AAAAAAAAAKA/vNwskS2SNEc/s1600/January+2011+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTjOm_kpI/AAAAAAAAAKA/vNwskS2SNEc/s320/January+2011+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTk7-vIRI/AAAAAAAAAKE/PSZdrnQmC6w/s1600/January+2011+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTk7-vIRI/AAAAAAAAAKE/PSZdrnQmC6w/s320/January+2011+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTmV6lA3I/AAAAAAAAAKI/32cGy4N_f_U/s1600/January+2011+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTmV6lA3I/AAAAAAAAAKI/32cGy4N_f_U/s320/January+2011+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTof-ghGI/AAAAAAAAAKM/JqG4s6CIZcs/s1600/January+2011+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTof-ghGI/AAAAAAAAAKM/JqG4s6CIZcs/s320/January+2011+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTpvgapqI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/MLgnvOKLaXk/s1600/January+2011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYTpvgapqI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/MLgnvOKLaXk/s320/January+2011+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Only four more blocks to go!&nbsp; In the meantime, I'm working on some other projects, including my next bag in <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/2010/12/a-monthly-bag-challenge-for-2011.html">JemJem's</a> challenge.&nbsp; More on that in another post... <br /><br />Until then, enjoy the snow!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYUD3ebUCI/AAAAAAAAAKU/emlYwNE5m6g/s1600/January+2011+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TUYUD3ebUCI/AAAAAAAAAKU/emlYwNE5m6g/s320/January+2011+031.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-81366503455795645182011-01-23T17:59:00.000-08:002011-01-23T18:33:40.879-08:00January Bag - Done!So, I decided to take the challenge of a fellow blogger and attempt to make one bag per month from Amy Butler's new book, <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/2010/12/a-monthly-bag-challenge-for-2011.html">Style Stitches</a>.&nbsp; Jemalia from <a href="http://jemjam.typepad.com/jemjam/2010/12/a-monthly-bag-challenge-for-2011.html">JemJem</a>, challenged her readers to make the Cosmo Bag for January.&nbsp; I am quite proud of my bag, although I must admit that it was quite challenging for the very first, so-called "Easy" bag.&nbsp; I'm not sure how I'll even be able to make it to the intermediate bags!<br /><br />Anyway, here are my pictures of the bag.&nbsp; I bought the exterior fabric from a Crate and Barrel outlet.&nbsp; Believe it or not, it was only $5 a yard.&nbsp; I should have bought more fabric from there.&nbsp; The blue fabric was from my stash and the lining was from Joann's.&nbsp; I am quite proud of myself, although I'm a bit tired out now!<br /><br />We'll see about February...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TTzcu-2hC2I/AAAAAAAAAJk/CZN5ZtSNMDY/s1600/Christmas+2010+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TTzcu-2hC2I/AAAAAAAAAJk/CZN5ZtSNMDY/s320/Christmas+2010+114.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TTzczgvzUgI/AAAAAAAAAJo/a2LfSfatm9A/s1600/Christmas+2010+116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TTzczgvzUgI/AAAAAAAAAJo/a2LfSfatm9A/s320/Christmas+2010+116.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TTzc39OFOGI/AAAAAAAAAJs/qxOvSOQz6PY/s1600/Christmas+2010+118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TTzc39OFOGI/AAAAAAAAAJs/qxOvSOQz6PY/s320/Christmas+2010+118.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-41645225979481731592010-10-30T18:36:00.000-07:002010-10-30T18:36:18.242-07:00Cute PurseI found a Simplicity pattern for a purse that I thought was really cute.&nbsp; I needed to have help from my mom on the first one, but since then I've been making them on my own.&nbsp; I have now made 4 purses from this pattern.&nbsp; It was really easy!&nbsp; I now just need to learn how to put buttons and zippers in!&nbsp; Believe it or not, the fabric was from Walmart and was quite inexpensive.&nbsp; I think it was about $3 a yard.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TMzIBr5ymsI/AAAAAAAAAIw/TC4a7qA8i1w/s1600/DelGrossos+and+Farm+Tour+072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tCFm-uiBXDk/TMzIBr5ymsI/AAAAAAAAAIw/TC4a7qA8i1w/s320/DelGrossos+and+Farm+Tour+072.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1260906073470355871.post-47655726746115992532010-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:002010-09-08T12:13:28.816-07:00A moment here, a minute thereI'm a mom, and a busy mom at that. I have a gorgeous, almost 2-year old boy named Ethan who is the joy of my life. I also work full-time. While I do enjoy my job, as most working women know, the spare moments in life where no one is making demands, where no to-do list is calling your name, are some of the most precious. <br /><br />This blog is dedicated to those moments and to sharing what I accomplish during these times. I have quite a few hobbies and want to share my accomplishments somewhere. <br /><br />One of the things that I recently began doing is quilting. I took two quilting classes about 10 years ago, but never really got the sewing bug until about 6 months ago. A group of my co-workers have an informal sewing club in which we each work on various projects. Although there have been a few rebels who have done tasks like scrapbooking, most "members" of sewing club either do cross-stitch or hand-quilting during our weekly lunchtime events. <br /><br />During my upcoming posts, I plan to share the various projects that I have completed as part of sewing club or doing those few spare moments during the evening or weekends that I can savor for myself. <br /><br />Enjoy!!!sarahbethehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12855649129687568427noreply@blogger.com0